Former England captains Alec Stewart and Mark Butcher have both stated that they would not like to be considered to take over the England captaincy in Nasser Hussain's absence. In diary columns written exclusively for CricInfo, Stewart said, "There's been some speculation that I might become captain again, but I wouldn't take the job back if it was offered."

Butcher's thoughts on doing the job were that "being England captain does not hold too many good memories for me, and at this stage in my career and life I just want to enjoy myself."

Stewart also said: "I think it's time to move on. I only did the Old Trafford Test and the one-day series to help the side out in an emergency. I've been captain and done everything that's been asked of me, and I think it's better to look to the future now, so I won't be putting my hand up for the job.

"There's Atherton and Gough of the seniors, and Trescothick of the younger players. Mark Butcher has captained England before, so has Graham Thorpe. I'm happy to play under any of them. In the meantime I want to give myself the best chance of playing well for England, as a batsman and as wicket-keeper".

Butcher, who captained England for one Test Match in 1999 explained: "I might have been a little bit naïve the last time I took I [the captaincy], not realising what I was letting myself in for... It might be an entirely different set-up now from when I did captain the team, and a much better one, but I think I could do without such distractions."